Reading Your Moving Estimate

Have you received an on-site estimate from your moving company? If not, this is the place to start! Anyone can tell you a range over the phone but having a representative come to your home gives you a realistic idea of what your move will actually cost! Next, you should receive a copy of your estimate via e-mail so you can look it over. The tips and questions below will help you decipher your estimate! 

If your move is local, within the state, you will first want to look at the amount of movers and trucks stated on your estimate. Are these amounts the same amounts that you discussed with the representative? If yes than you can continue looking over the estimate, if not than this is one item to question. 

The next item to look at is the amount of estimated time to complete your move and the hourly rate. Just don’t settle for the company that estimates the lowest amount of time! Legally, you as the customer have to pay for the amount of time the crew spends on your move. This means even if the estimate says it’ll take 5 hours you have to pay even if it takes 8 therefore this is worth looking at. Another item to consider when looking at this are reviews. What are other people saying about this company? If they have great reviews it might be worth paying an extra five dollars an hour. 

After looking at estimated time and rate take a look at your travel time. What do this even mean? Your travel time or trip charge is the amount of time to get the crew out to your home and back to their shop after your move. It’s like a delivery and pick up charge for your moving professionals. Another question to ask is if your moving company charges a fuel surcharge on top of the trip charge? This is a fee for the fuel used on your move. It’s an extra fee you might like to know about. 

Moving Insurance

If your moving one thing to consider is purchasing moving insurance and whether you need more than the moving company provides, especially if you thinking about not using packing services offered by your chosen moving company. It’s complicated process to decide these factors but a good place to start is understanding the terminology you’ll hear when calling around. Here are some concepts and moving insurance terms to get you started: 

1. High Value 

Used to describe any items that are worth $100 per pound, this will very depending on the item. It is important to know which of your items are considered high value so you can purchase moving insurance accordingly. Items that are considered high value include original artwork, fine crystal, antiques, ect. 

2. Standard Coverage 

Any professional moving company will provide clients with a minimum of free coverage , this refers to the amount of money you will receive per pound of the damaged goods. Typically the amount is 60 cents per pound. This is another way you can double check if your moving company is legit.  

3. Claim

A term used when household goods are damaged during your moving process. If this occurs it is important to submit your claim as soon as possible to ensure your damaged goods are covered.

4. Declared Value

A declared value is assigned by the home owner, this value is of the total household goods you will be moving. This number is important because it will be the basis for the amount of insurance you will need. 

5. Declared Value Protection  

This is used to determine the value of your good now should they be damaged or lost. This means that the value of the items is equal to it’s depreciated value. It’s current value minus the value it has decreased over time. Make sure to ask for this value when talking to your moving insurance company. 

Hedberg Moving Solutions Teams Up with Wayzata Counselor Realty!